Boy, 8, OK after 25-foot fall from chairlift at Truckee ski resort

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TRUCKEE, Calif. - An 8-year-old boy was released from the hospital Wednesday evening after he fell about 25 feet from a chairlift earlier that day at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, an official said.

The boy, a skier who was wearing a helmet, was on the Eagle Rock Chair with his father when he fell at about 3 p.m., according to a statement from Brinn Talbot, director of Marketing and Membership Services for Tahoe Donner.

While the chair's safety bar was down for most of the ride, the boy fell after it was raised as he and his father were preparing to depart, Talbot said in a follow-up interview.

The resort's ski patrol members witnessed the incident and responded immediately, Talbot said, and the boy was transported by ambulance to Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee.

Tahoe Donner's policy regarding youth on chairlifts is to "recommend any guest under 51 inches ride with an adult," Talbot said.